A talented trio of performers will bring new vibrancy to the powerful and provocative play, tackling issues of race, mental health and institutional power.
This really interesting play has been revived and revised for this production at the Greenwich Theatre. Set in a psychiatric ward the patient and his doctor are at odds about his suitability to leave the ward after the 28 days section expires. The Senior Consultant has been invited to meet and make a determination on a re-section or a release.
The Senior Consultant has some very unusual quirky characteristics – the patient is banned caffeine yet the senior consultant drinks coffee in front of him. Not only that, but he also smokes cigarettes. The doctor is horrified, which is emphasised when the consultant shares the coffee and shares his cigarettes.
There are very interesting plot twists in that what is quite funny perspectives from the consultant in the first half of the play actually intensify and become offensive and narcissistic in the second half.
The cast are quite extraordinary. Very imbedded in their characters and not breaking the fourth wall for an instant. It’s a long play at an hour each half plus interval but it flies by. The casting here works really well.
The set design is really good along with the lighting design. The installation is not without it’s challenges with flickering LEDs, droopy cables and saggy plastic conduit supporting the rear blinds, there’s a slight feel that the realisism of the designs wasn’t robust. Predominantly blue, orange and white statements effectively reflect the show’s title.
A fascinating piece of theatre.
Photo credit: Lidia Crisafulli
Cast and Creatives
Performer John Michie
Performer Rhianne Barreto
Performer Matthew Morrison
Writer Joe Penhall
Director James Haddrell
Lighting Design Henry Slater
Age Guidance 14+
Location Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES
Tickets https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/blueorange/
Website https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/
Dates Wednesday 1st – Saturday 25th October 2025Twitter/Insta @greenwichtheatr
Facebook @greenwichtheatre
GreenwichTheatre
Address Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London, SE10 8ES